Equity and Inclusion
NAAEE is committed to advancing equity and inclusion in the environmental education field. Throughout the conference, we focus on race, justice, and sustainability in our plenary sessions and some workshops. In addition, at least 15 percent of our concurrent sessions explore strategies and programs that help diversify our audiences as well as our workforce, build cultural competence, support environmental justice, engage with new audiences, forge new and lasting partnerships, honor traditional knowledge, and increase our reach and relevance throughout society. Affinity groups, including the Environmental Professionals of Color (EPOC) and the Queer Environmental Education Network (QEEN), also meet during the conference. We also offer reduced rates and scholarship opportunities for anyone whose circumstances make full registration fees a challenge.
Pittsburgh, renowned as the city of bridges with an impressive 446 structures spanning its rugged terrain, stands as a testament to the power of connectivity. These bridges, which gracefully cross the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers, have set a world record, symbolizing unity across neighborhoods once divided by landscapes of deep valleys, steep hillsides, creeks, and rivers.
At this year's conference, we seek to spotlight environmental educators as natural bridge builders. Focused on bridging gaps across borders, disciplines, and ideas, our event aims to foster mutual understanding and explore how to discover common ground. We recognize the pivotal role environmental educators play in developing solutions by dismantling barriers in communities, working collaboratively across borders, nurturing innovative partnerships, and amplifying program impact.